Reaction in France to the national team's 2-0 defeat to Mexico last night which virtually ends their World Cup hopes has been predictably scathing.

L'Equipe, the country's biggest sports daily, today ran with the headline 'Les Imposteurs' - which speaks for itself even without translation.

"The ineffectiveness of the team contradicts all the speeches held by (coach) Raymond Domenech and the players on their strength of character and their capacity to react," said the paper.

"This morning, France contemplates a field of ruins: its national team.

"The 'Je-m'en-foutisme' ('I don't give a damn-ism') is their flag, the only banner this team can carry together.

"Let's mock Raymond Domenech, so full of himself, overcome by his players' egos.

"Laugh about these major players Franck Ribery, William Gallas, Nicolas Anelka, who believe themselves so superior, and their arrogance.

"Supported by a federation who should wear a headless chicken as a symbol, they deserve indifference."

France were "wiped clean" by their "Aztec conquerors", according to Liberation, while Le Figaro reflects captain Patrice Evra's withering assessment that France are "a small team, very affected by defeat".

Le Parisien went with the simple "France humiliated by Mexico", while Provence opted for "Shame on the Blues".